cyclophosphamide, Cytoxan

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

GENERIC NAME: cyclophosphamide

DISCONTINUED BRAND: Cytoxan

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Cyclophosphamide is a drug that is used
primarily for treating several types of cancer. In order to work,
cyclophosphamide first is converted by the liver into two chemicals, acrolein
and phosphoramide. Acrolein and phosphoramide are the active compounds, and they
slow the growth of cancer cells by interfering with the actions of
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) within the cancerous cells. Unfortunately, normal
cells also are affected, and this results in serious side effects. In addition
to slowing the growth of cancerous cells, cyclophosphamide also suppresses the
immune system and is referred to as immunosuppressive. The FDA approved Cytoxan
in November 1959.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Cyclophosphamide is used alone for the treatment of
several types of cancers but often in combination with other drugs to treat
breast cancer, leukemia and ovarian cancer. It also is approved for treating
nephrotic syndrome (a disease of the kidneys) in children. Unapproved uses
include the treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis, severe rheumatoid arthritis,
lupus erythematosus, advanced mycosis fungoides, and several of forms of
vasculitis.

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cyclophosphamide, Cytoxan

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